Contact Lubricants

Switch to a superior performance

Contact Lubricants
Extends the operating life of switches Improves signal quality Reduces operating temperature Controls switch feel Prevents contamination Silicone free

Electrolube have been the leading supplier of contact lubricants since their invention by the founder in the 1950s. They increase the reliability and lifetime of current carrying metal interfaces, including switches, connectors and busbars.
Electrolube has earned an unsurpassed reputation for the manufacture and supply of specialist lubricants to the automotive, military, aerospace, industrial and domestic switch manufacturing sectors. The range has been developed over the years to accommodate many advances in such rapidly advancing industries; combining excellent electrical properties and lubricity with plastics compatibility. Contact lubricants are specially formulated greases and oils that reduce friction and enhance the electrical performance of current carrying metal interfaces in switches and connectors. Electrolube products are electrically insulative in thick lms, preventing tracking in ultra thin lms, i.e. between closed metal contacts they allow the current to ow, owing to the Quantum Tunnelling Effect. They also exhibit a neutral pH thereby avoiding surface corrosion. The effectiveness of even perfectly designed switches can be improved by contact lubricants and, when considered at the design stage, signicant production cost savings can be achieved by the use of less expensive plastics and contact metals. Tests have shown that contact lubrication can extend the lifetime of switches by more than 300%, producing excellent performance under all circumstances and preventing the need for expensive maintenance.

How Contact Lubricants Work

Contact technology is constantly developing with new alloys, plastics and customer demands. However, it is still impossible to solve the main cause of switch malfunction i.e. the inability to produce a perfectly smooth metal contact surface. As no metal interfaces are entirely even and smooth, when applied to such surfaces in thin lms contact lubricants ll in all surface imperfections, in turn improving contact and electrical performance as well as prolonging the contact life by reducing hot spots, frettage and arcing. By lling in the air gaps between the contacts, contact lubricants dramatically increase the effective surface area, in turn preventing arcing and the related temperature rise and oxide formation. They also provide a barrier to airborne contamination and reduce the effects of friction by facilitating smooth movement. In addition, the use of contact lubricants are typically evaluated for their feel characteristics, improving the quality of movement of a switch or in simple plastic/ plastic contacts, for example. Heat Generation If there is insufcient surface contact, the current is only carried by a fraction of the designed surface area and the heat generated will be concentrated at the contact points. This, in turn, causes the formation of high resistance oxide layers and hot spots are observed. The overall efciency of the switch will be reduced and can eventually lead to complete failure as the two surfaces weld together Arcing (mini-lightning strikes) This can also occur with un-lubricated contacts; ionisation of the air and the associated rise in temperature causes metal transfer between the contacts, resulting in new peaks and troughs on the surfaces. Mechanical Wear Metal interfaces, whether static or moving, suffer from mechanical wear. In the case of static contacts, this is called frettage; the small movements of contacts caused by vibration, temperature changes, etc. As the surfaces fret, friction causes metal particles to be removed from the peaks, breaking through plated surfaces. This exposes surface and underlying metal to the effects of oxidation and wear. Additionally the detached metal particles can cause intermittent signal transmission and ultimately switch failure. Silicone Contamination As silicones can creep great distances, these products should not be used in switch assembly areas. When silicone is present between moving or vibrating contacts, they react under arcing conditions to form silicon carbide. These crystals abrade the contact surface and cause electrical breakdown. Electrolube contact lubricants also eliminate the problems associated with silicone contamination, providing they are applied prior to the introduction of silicone. Switch Operation The way a switch feels when operated has become an indicator of quality, particularly within the automotive industry. Contact lubricants, in addition to their technical benets, can also determine the feel of a switch, whether it be strong and decisive for the dashboard of a commercial vehicle, or smooth and quiet for a luxury car.

Automotive Applications
Electrolubes automotive lubricant product range helps engineers meet the huge demands they face on a daily basis. Design engineers are under pressure to keep costs down by the correct selection of materials for complex, innovative designs. The development of Electrolubes lubricants, together with leading automotive manufacturers, has led to materials with enhanced performance across wide temperature ranges, improved resistance to the external environment and overall development of the electrical and mechanical properties of these materials. In addition, Electrolube lubricants are compatible with the most sensitive of plastics and are continually reviewed to meet the latest regulatory requirements.

Dual Purpose Lubrication

The most important role of lubricating greases is to protect from wear and corrosion. Damping lubricants are materials which ergonomically control free motion and noise in mechanical components whilst giving a quality feel to hand operated mechanisms. For current carrying metal interfaces, the major advantage is that they increase the reliability and lifetime of these components by preventing corrosion and wear, which could include sensors, switches, potentiometers and connectors, for example. The following information covers each of these applications in more detail and provides some starting suggestions for choice of lubricants. Technical data sheets can be referred to for additional information on each product and in all applications the lubricant must be fully tested in representative end-use conditions to conrm correct selection. Connectors Contact lubricants are used extensively for connectors. Connectors in early automotive applications were plagued with fretting corrosion problems. Although tin and silver plated contacts are more commonly used, gold plated contacts are also apparent in some connector designs. Gold is a soft material and can exaggerate fretting corrosion. A lubricated switch is subject to far less mechanical wear as the lubricant facilitates smooth movement. Friction and wear are therefore greatly reduced, extending switch lifetime, improving electrical efciency and allowing the use of a wider selection of materials. Such improvements are extremely important in the challenge of meeting the energy efciency requirements of todays more fuel economical and hybrid/electric vehicles. Example Applications Gold Plated Contacts/Air-Bag Connectors CG60/SOK High Insertion Force Applications Slip Ring Devices EGF SOB/CO70

Switches and Contacts

High Current Arcing Switches or Contacts As un-lubricated contacts open and close, arcing (mini lightning strikes) can often occur. Ionisation of the air and the associated rise in temperature causes metal transfer between the contacts, resulting in the formation of new peaks and troughs a common problem found in high power contacts. The problem of arcing is also compounded in make and break switches, where every time the circuit is opened, the contacts may bounce several times before nally mating. This exacerbates the problems discussed previously and subjects the circuit to repeated surges of current giving a poor signal to noise ratio. This problem is not found in lubricated switches, as the lubricant lls the air gap between the contacts, preventing arcing, related temperature rises and corrosive chemical formation; as air is excluded from the metal surfaces, airborne contamination cannot form insulative barriers on the metals. Finally, contact lubricants provide a cushion between the contacts to dampen the effects of bouncing. Example Applications Starters/Ignition CG53A Heating and Ventilation CG71/SOK Medium Current Switches or Contacts These types of switches vary in design parameters and materials usually employed. Typically more sensitive plastics and elastomers are used and therefore compatibility with all lubricant materials must be tested. In such applications lubricants are used to dramatically increase the effective surface area of the contact, thus eliminating hot spots, improving efciency and ensuring that contact resistance remains low and stable. Example Applications Windscreen Wipers Central Locking Switches Power Seat Switches Dashboard Control Mechanisms Power Window Switches Micro Switches CG71 CG60/CG71 CG60/CTG/EGF CG70 CG70/CG53A EML/CO70/SON

Low Current Carrying Switches and Contacts Low current carrying switches and contacts are typically made with the most sensitive plastic and elastomer rubbers, yet being low current carrying, demand the best electrical performance from contact lubricants. Electrolubes contact lubricants have been used extensively for high quality audio applications and ergonomic controls. The application of lubricants prevents corrosion of the metal interfaces, whilst providing the switch with low levels of electrical noise and a very stable signal. Example Applications Steering Wheel Switches Light Switches Low Contact Pressure Switches Audio Switches CG71 LCG SOA/CO70/SGN CG71/LCG

Sensors and Non-Electrical

Sensors and Potentiometers Potentiometers have low contact forces and must stay in contact with the resistor; a high viscosity grease would not allow close contact with the resistor, therefore the most suitable materials are constructed from low viscosity base oils, coupled with an effective, non-carbonising thickener. As well as functioning at very high temperatures, uorinated lubricants have exceptional plastics compatibility and solvent resistance and are therefore ideal for fuel level sensors, particularly in oil form where a thin, uniform application of a long lasting lubricant can be applied to the surface. Example Applications Fuel Level Sensors Seat Position Electronic Throttle EOF/DOF EGF/CG60 EGF/EOF Interior Components Non Electrical Interior components requiring lubrication come in many combinations:  Metal-metal contacts seating tracks, sunroof tracks, etc.  Plastic-plastic contacts windscreen wiper gears, window visor, cup holders, grip handles, etc.  Plastic-metal contacts cables, glove compartment locking mechanisms, etc. Each application requires a certain grease characteristic to provide damping of free movement and noise as well as providing a quality feel. Electrolubes damping lubricants offer engineers an economical route to quality. Example Applications Medium-Heavy Viscosity: Dashboard Needle Gauge Window Visor Window Tracks Light Viscosity: Cup Holders, Ashtrays, Grip Handles Ventilation Air Flaps Sunroof Mechanisms Mirror Adjustments SPG SPG/SCO SPG/SGN SPG/SCO SPG/SCO SPGA CTG/SGN

Product Selection
Plastics Compatibility
It is important to discuss the options available at the design stage to ensure correct product selection and application. Many factors must be considered when choosing a contact lubricant, among the areas to be considered are; voltage, current, operating temperature range, environmental conditions, contact metals, number of cycles and associated plastics. Plastic test bars were coated in various Electrolube lubricants and placed on a test rig under strain. The samples were then conditioned for 7 days at 40C before inspection Key 1. Fail snapped 2. Severe stress cracking but not snapped 3. Stress cracking seen 4. Pass some very slight stress cracking 5. Pass no incompatibility seen
CTG 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 SPG 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 CG60 5 5 5 3 5 4 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 CG70 5 4 5 1 5 1 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 CG71 1 5 4 2 1 4 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 SGB 5 5 4 1 1 1 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 4 4 5 5 SGA 1 5 5 1 1 1 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5

Plastic Grade PC + PBT/PET Makroblend DP 7665/MBS162 PC + PBT/PET Makroblend KU27915 PC + PBT/PET Makroblend S7916 PC Makroblend 2407 PC + ABS Bayblend T45 PC + ABS Bayblend T8SXF PBT Ultradur B4300G6 PBT Ultradur B4520 PA Ultramid B3WG6 PA Ultramid A3WG6 PA Ultramid B35 PA Ultramid A3K PBT Crastin CR SK605 PBT Crastin CRS620F20 NC10 PP 3150 MX5 PP 3060 MW5 PP 3120 MU5

EGF 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

ABS = Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene PA = Polyamide PBT = Polybutylene terephthalate PC = Polycarbonate PET = Polyethylene terephthalate PP = Polypropylene
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Electrical Testing
Electrolube have a custom built switch rig for the lifetime testing of contact lubricants. Every product is subjected to this test, using a standard automotive switch for comparison purposes. The results provide a measurement of mV drop over the cycling period and show how the use of contact lubricants can dramatically increase switch performance and lifetime.

140

120

100

mv drop

80

60

40

20

0 10 10010 20010 30010 40010 number of cYcles Un-lubricated Switch CTG CG71 SGA

Cone Penetrations
To establish the consistency and possible variations in performance at a range of temperatures, the cone penetration values were measured according to ASTM D217. The un-worked cone penetrations of various Electrolube contact lubricants were tested at -40C, 20C and 40C:

350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 -40 20 40 Temperature (C) SGA SGB CG53A CG60 CG70 CTG SPG SPGA

un-worked cone penetration

Mechanical Testing
To establish the mechanical performance of the various contact lubricants, 4-ball wear testing was completed to ASTMD 2596/87. Included in this testing were some lubricants from the general maintenance range where the end application is more mechanical lubrication than electrical contact improvement. The test consists of loading the grease into equipment that has four balls under a dened rotation. A pressure load is introduced onto the balls and the load increased according to a logarithm function. The results are given as a pass value and a wearing value at the pass value. The wearing value is measured in mm and quanties the amount of wear observed on the balls utilised in the test. The weld point is the end of the test where the wearing of the balls was more than 4mm (the maximum according to the methodology). This value is usually only used for indication, the pass and wearing values are the most important for selection purposes.

ULL CMO MPG EGF SPGA SPG CG70 CG60 SGB 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 Wear result at 100kgf Pressure Load (mm)

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Protection in Humid / Corrosive Environments

A test schedule was constructed in order to establish which products provide the highest level of protection in high humidity and corrosive environments. Steel and copper panels were coated in a variety of Electrolube contact and mechanical lubricant products and subjected to 90% humidity at 35C for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week in the salt spray chamber, utilising a 5% salt solution at 35C. The conditioned panels were visually inspected and the % corrosion/oxidation present was recorded.
Grease SGA SGB CG53A CG60 CG70 CG71 CTG % Corrosion on steel 40 100 10 5 5 50 5 % Oxidation on copper 100 0 0 10 70 10 0

The results are comparisons, therefore 100% relates to the highest level of oxidation observed on all test substrates.

Protection of Gold and Silver Contacts

The protection of gold and silver contacts is also very important. A range of gold and silver plated contacts were coated with various contact and mechanical lubricants and placed into the salt spray chamber for 7 days. The settings were 5% salt solution, 35C. The majority of the Electrolube products performed exceptionally well as the gold and silver plated contacts showed no signs of corrosion following the test. The following products provided a very high level of protection for the gold and silver plated contacts; EGF, E3C-CA, CG60, CG70, CG71, CG53A, CTG, SGB. The only product to show signs of corrosion on the gold and silver plated contacts was MPG. This product is therefore not advised for use on gold and silver surfaces, particularly where high levels of humidity or salt spray are present. Chlorine Resistance This test was devised to determine which contact lubricant products provide the best protection against oxidative environments. Copper panels were coated in various contact and mechanical lubricants and subjected to 2 months at 35C in an oxidative atmosphere containing chlorine. The results showed that E3C-CA gave the best protection, followed by CG53A, CG60, CG70 and CTG.

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The Product Range

CG60 Contact Grease  Excellent high performance lubricant  Reduces electrical background noise  Excellent plastics compatibility  Contains a UV trace to allow easy inspection CG70 Contact Grease  Exceptional performance at low temperatures  Very good plastics compatibility  Good electrical performance  Oil version available (CO70) CG71 Contact Grease  Enhanced electrical properties, gives a consistently low mV drop  High level of oxidation stability  Low wear characteristics  Good plastics compatibility CG80 Contact Grease  Excellent performance at high temperatures Good electrical properties Low evaporation weight loss  Contains a UV trace to allow easy inspection CG52B Contact Grease  Reduces contact resistance  Suitable for both moving and static contacts of all metal types  Developed initially for the automotive industry  Successful connector lubricant CG53A Contact Grease  Excellent electrical properties  Good plastics compatibility  Superior protection in harsh environments  Wide operating temperature range SGA Special Contact Grease  Effective treatment for all types of contacts  Reduces contact resistance and arcing of contacts from small relays to high capacity contactors  Will not migrate from vertical contacts or surfaces  Oil version available (SOA) SGB 2GX Contact Treatment Grease  High quality, non-melting contact grease  Hard consistency version (SGBH) and oil version (SOB) available  Reduces contact wear and arcing  Good plastics compatibility SOK 8X Contact Treatment Oil  Contact oil for switch applications  Non-ammable and silicone free  Excellent electrical properties  Reduces arcing and hence contact wear SON 10X Contact Treatment Oil  Extremely effective at low operating temperatures  Low viscosity oil  Grease version (SGN) available  Ideal for low contact pressure applications such as micro switches CTG Contact Treatment Grease  Excellent protection in corrosive environments  Wide operating temperature range  Good electrical performance  Excellent plastics compatibility

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EGF Eltinert F Grease  Excellent chemical resistance  Exceptionally wide operating temperature range  Prevents and cures high contact resistance caused by silicone contamination  Oil version (EOF) and dilute oil version (DOF) available E3C-CA Electrolytic Cell Connection Compound  For use on connections and switches in electrolytic, electro-plating and anodising plants  Reduces temperature at contact surfaces  Improves plant productivity and reliability, thus reducing maintenance costs  Superior corrosion protection and oxidation stability EPC Electro-Plating Compound  Especially developed for use on electro-plating and anodising plants  Inhibits against corrosion  Improves electrical contact on anode and cathode bars, pick-up shoes, rack contacts, busbar joints etc.  Formulated to assist in the removal of tarnish and corrosion CCS Contact Cleaning Strips   Easy to use  Impregnated, mildly abrasive card  Cleans, refurbishes and lubricates metal contacts  High quality contact lubricant

SPG Special Plastic Grease  Synthetic grease offering outstanding low temperature performance  Excellent compatibility with thermoplastics, including ABS and Polycarbonate  Effective lubrication of plastic-to-plastic and plastic-to-metal contact surfaces  More adhesive version available (SPGA) EML Contact Cleaner Lubricant  Cleans and lubricates switches, connectors and slip rings  Removes dirt and protects from further contamination  Reduces contact resistance  Commonly known as switch cleaner SWC Non-Flammable Switch Cleaner Lubricant  Provides protection against arcing and corrosion  Non-ammable, can be used on live equipment  Safe to use on most plastics  Contains high quality contact treatment oil ULL Ultralube  Tenacious long lasting and non-staining lubricant  Ideal for use on printer mechanisms  Can be used as an edge connector lubricant, particularly for gold contacts  Can be used as a silicone inhibit for relays

*Various sizes are available for most products, including bulk.

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High Temperature Performance

Plastic Mechnical Lubrication

Low Temperature Performance

General Purpose

Plastics Compatibility

Low mV Drop

High Temperature

High Voltage

Contact Lubricants

SGA

SGB

CG53A

CG60

CG70

CG80

EGF

SPG

CTG

Specialist Property
Pour Point (base oil, C IP-15) % Evaporation Weight Loss (IP-183 100C) Drop Point (C IP-31) Penetration (Worked, Cone, 20C IP-50) Temperature Range (C) Mechanical Lubrication Electrical Performance Humidity Resistance* Plastics Compatibiliity** UV Trace Oil Version Available

-54 0.90 >250 320 -40 to +125 Good Excellent OK Poor No SOA

-37 0.93 >250 320 -35 to +130 Good Good Good OK No SOB/ EML

-37 0.21 200 320 -35 to +130 Excellent Good Excellent OK No No

-54 0.30 200 330 -45 to +130 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Yes No

-70 0.30 200 320 -55 to +130 Excellent Excellent Good Excellent Yes CO70

-35 0.20 200 320 -30 to +160 Excellent Excellent Excellent OK Yes No

-25 <0.10 >250 280 -25 to +300 Good Good OK Excellent No EOF/ DOF

-57 0.20 >250 320 -40 to +125 Excellent OK Good Excellent No No

>200 330 -50 to +130 Good Excellent Best Excellent No No

*Based on accelerated testing. **Compatibility may differ from quoted results Testing should always take place prior to production.

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Moisture Resistance -62 0.30

Every solution is within our spectrum

Contact lubricants Thermal management solutions

Polyurethane & epoxy resins

Maintenance & service aids

Water and solvent based cleaning

Conformal coatings

In the formulation, manufacture and supply of conformal coatings, thermal pastes, encapsulants, cleaners and lubricants, we have the solution. Through collaboration and research, were developing new, environmentally friendly products for many of the worlds best known industrial and domestic manufacturers always to ISO standards. Combine this unique ability to offer the complete solution with our global presence and you have a more reliable supply chain and a security of scale that ensures you receive an exemplary service. Want to know more about this successful formula? Simply call, or visit our website.

+44 (0)1530 419600 www.electrolube.com

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China Headquarters / Manufacturing Building No2, Mauhwa Industrial Park, Caida 3rd Street, Caiyuan Industrial Zone, Nancai Township, Shunyi District Beijing, 101300 Peoples Republic of China T +86 (10) 89475123 F +86 (10) 89475123 E info@electrolube.co.uk www.electrolube.com

UK Headquarters / Manufacturing Ashby Park Coaleld Way Ashby de la Zouch Leicestershire LE65 1JR United Kingdom T +44 (0)1530 419600 F +44 (0)1530 416640 E info@electrolube.co.uk www.electrolube.com
A division of H K Wentworth Limited Registered ofce as above Registered in England No. 368850

All information is given in good faith but without warranty. Properties are given as a guide only and should not be taken as a specication.
ELCAT_CONLUBE_GB/0
Certicate No. 32082